The University of Utah showcased its work, research and statewide impact during a visit from the Utah State Legislature’s Higher Education Appropriations Subcommittee on Thursday. President Taylor Randall delivered an annual update on the university and highlighted major research initiatives prioritized by the U.
The meeting took place in the Eccles Health Sciences Education Building, and was followed by lab tours and science showcases, allowing legislators to see the university’s research firsthand. The meeting began with a research showcase, where students displayed projects as committee members and guests arrived.
Data and analytics
Following the showcase, the subcommittee reviewed financial and enrollment data for the university. According to data presented during the hearing, the U has grown by approximately 5,000 students over the past decade, with a current headcount of more than 37,000 students.
Joseph Fitzgerald, a financial analyst presenting to the committee, noted that the university has “the second highest enrollment in large section accounts in the system” and met all of its performance metrics in 2025. He also highlighted that 83% of the university’s high-yield awards were achieved, the highest percentage in the state system.
The university’s total operating budget was reported at $9.5 billion, a figure that includes its hospital and healthcare system. When clinical revenue is excluded, the remaining budget reflects instruction and research on the main campus.
Randall emphasized the evolving role of research universities and described a shift toward what he called an “impact university.” “We hope that you will see us as on the cutting edge of creating a new type of university,” Randall said. “That means being outward-facing, solution-driven and responsive to the needs of the state.”
University costs
Randall also addressed affordability, enrollment growth and graduation rates. He noted that tuition has increased at a rate lower than inflation and that approximately 80% of in-state students receive some form of financial aid. “Our resident list price is about $9,800,” Randall said. “But the net price after aid is closer to $5,600.”
The university recently announced a scholarship program that will provide full tuition and mandatory fee coverage for students from families earning under $100,000 annually. “The total cost of attendance has become dramatic,” Randall said. “Students are still working, but now much of that money goes to rent and food rather than tuition.”
Goals for 2026
Legislators also asked about enrollment targets and institutional growth. Randall said the university aims for approximately 40,000 students while balancing undergraduate education and research expansion. “We really have to manage the tension between quality undergraduate education and research growth,” Randall said. “That balance is what determines the size of the institution.”
Graduation rates were also discussed. The university’s four-year graduation rate increased from 34% to 39% following a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is an area we know we need to do better,” Randall said. “Our goal is to be above 80%.”
After the formal hearing, committee members toured the U’s research labs and watched demonstrations. Legislators observed a neural-controlled prosthetic hand, environmental modeling predicting dust exposure from the shrinking Great Salt Lake and biological research studying opioid addiction using zebrafish models.
The visit concluded with discussions between legislators, faculty and students about how university research supports public health, environmental planning and economic development across the state.
